Hills4Hugh: Fundraising cycle to remember much-loved Gaoth Dobhair native

A fundraising cycle in memory of a much-loved west Donegal man will take place in September. 

A group of cyclists from Craughwell in Galway will cycle from Galway to Gaoth Dobhair, a trek of some 300km, to remember Hugh McFadden.

Hugh, a native of Cnoc Fola, lived in Galway since 2003 and passed away following an illness on March 31.

Now, a group of friends and family will take on a memorial cycle, Hills4Hugh, for the beloved father-of-three to raise money for Galway Hospice.

Almost €2,000 already raised on iDonate. You can donate by clicking here. 

The last weekend in September held a deep significant as it marked Hugh’s wedding anniversary as well as the birthdays of his wife and eldest daughter. 

“Hugh faced his illness with immense courage and grace, never losing his humour or warmth - even in his final days,” organisers say.

“He is dearly missed on the sidelines of Craughwell Camogie games and Craughwell United soccer matches, where he was always the proudest supporter of his girls.

“In honour of Hugh, and driven by our love and memories of him, we ride from his adopted home of Craughwell, where he was deeply loved, to his cherished hometown of Gaoth Dobhair.”

A son of the late Paddy and Máire McFadden, he was a proud son of Gaoth Dobhair and regularly travelled home to support the local GAA team and he was also an avid Donegal fan. Liverpool and Celtic were close to his heart, too.

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His untimely passing was deeply regretted and he is sadly missed by his wife Edel, daughters Aileen, Maya and Anna, sisters Anne, Kathleen and Maureen, brothers Padraig and Raymond and a large circle of family and friends. 

Fundraiser organisers added: “This ride is a tribute to a man who brought joy, laughter, and unwavering support to all around him.”